As we close out 2020, we have some hot racing going on at Santa Anita, which just opened. Please note that I saw an article that suggested that the track is very deep at SA which might hurt the come from behind horses; that with the new whipping rules might help horses on the front end.
The big race for the weekend will be the RunHappy Malibu (Sat Dec 26, 2020 Race 10).
Of course, you've been wondering, why haven't I heard about
RunHappy lately?
(actually you probably could care less since his 2YOs have not been winning and they haven't been paying out the $100K bonus they've been touting, but I digress...).
Yes, the big showdown between the big upstart
Nashville and the return to the races monster
Charlatan.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...param3=1676600
When last we saw Nashville, he was setting a track record at Keeneland on the undercard for the Breeder's Cup. This undefeated 3YO ran faster than the Breeder's Cup Sprint Champion that day. This race is one furlong longer at the 7f distance. The track will not be lightning fast, but will be deep as I mentioned. Nashville was not asked in his last race.
The supporting cast will include Charlatan, also undefeated, but placed 9th through a disqualification in the Arkansas Derby because of a positive drug test. Supposedly a slight positive due to a lidocaine leach from the hands of his handler through the tongue tie. The actual measurement was ridiculously small, but any measurement was enough to disqualify.
Gamine also tested positive that day. Charlatan later suffered a Condylar fracture of the ankle and missed the Belmont (and remainder of the Triple Crown trail); but he is back!!! And he is working smartly back.
Also in the field are 3 lesser, but respectable colts:
Collusion Illusion, a colt until recently was undefeated against his age group, but faltered when taking on older. But today is 3YOC's only again.
Thousand Words, no stranger to our readers here. Which version of him will show up? Hard to recommend him with 2 more pounds against the likes of Nashville and Charlatan.
Independence Hall, was on the early Triple Crown trail, but was apparently injured. Won a recent Optional Claimer, so is fit and ready to improve.
If I had one ticket, I'd go Nashville, Charlatan, Independence Hall for a Trifecta.
Also, for the YMM Beer crossover readers, on Sunday, here is a Hunchbet.
In the 3rd Race at Santa Anita, one of the better runners is:
Beer Can Man in the Eddie Logan stakes for 2YO on the Turf.
http://www.brisnet.com/php/bw_pdf_vi...40¶m3=1755
Larry
DevilHorse